Ep. 208 Eliza Griswold - A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church - EPISODE GUIDE

Summary:

In this conversation, author Eliza Griswold discusses her new book "Circle of Hope," which chronicles the experiences of a progressive evangelical church in Philadelphia as they navigate major cultural shifts and challenges in 2020 and beyond. Griswold shares how she was drawn to explore this particular church community in order to broaden the dominant narratives around evangelicalism in America. The discussion delves into the tensions and conflicts that arise within the church as they grapple with issues of race and justice, and the role of faith in addressing systemic problems. Griswold offers insights into how the rapid pace of change and the online environment contributed to the breakdown of trust and empathy within the congregation. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities involved in trying to enact meaningful cultural and ideological change within a religious institution, and the importance of embodied experiences and restraint in navigating divisive issues.

Key Points:

• Griswold wanted to represent a different perspective on evangelicalism compared to the dominant narratives focused on conservative and nationalist movements.

• The church faced major challenges in 2020 as they navigated the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and a reckoning with systemic racism within their own community.

• The speed of cultural change within the church led to conflict and hurt, as they tried to rapidly shift their culture and "root out the evil of whiteness."

• Griswold emphasizes the importance of embodied experiences, restraint, and tolerance in navigating divisive issues, rather than binary thinking and "internet bravery."

• The conversation explores the tension between focusing on social justice issues versus centering the teachings of Jesus, and how ideologies can take precedence over faith.

• Griswold and Johnson discuss the broader cultural and political polarization in America, and the need to move beyond "us versus them" mentalities.

Action Steps:

• Read Eliza Griswold's book "Circle of Hope" to gain deeper insights into the challenges facing progressive evangelical churches.

• Reflect on how to cultivate more embodied experiences and restraint in your own online and in-person interactions.

• Consider ways to bridge divides and find common ground with those who hold different beliefs or ideological positions.

Discussion Questions:

• How can churches and religious communities navigate major cultural shifts while maintaining their core values and identity?

• What role should social justice issues play within the church, and how can congregations balance that with a focus on the teachings of Jesus?

• In what ways has the online environment contributed to a breakdown in empathy and nuance in our public discourse, and how can we counteract that?

• What are the dangers of binary thinking and "us versus them" mentalities, and how can we move towards a more pluralistic and inclusive vision for our society?